2009-2010 University of Michigan Application Thread

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JasonE said:
LOL, umich read what you guys wrote and responded:

"We know the anxiety of this process-we are moving as quickly as possible but it will be months before we have decisions for everybody."


cmon guys they are doing their best. they have tons of apps to go through (just like every school), and making decisions isn't easy. don't get mad at them and their twitter posts because you are still "under review". their twitter posts are a great idea and give much more insight into the process than any other school provides. the stats about # of interviews given/acceptances given on their website is also more info than any other school gives.
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Yeah I was thinking the same thing. It's kind of scary. I bet they do read these things. Makes me start to regret some of the things I wrote on some of the other schools forums.
 
adele87 said:
Can't believe they are posting stuff like this on a Twitter feed, of all places. It is simply not appropriate and, in my opinion, betrays a lack of true respect for their applicants.
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womp said:
Been complete since 8/10, still: File Complete - Under Review .

And yeah, the whole twitter thing? Give me a break. I don't want to hear any lectures from U-M about professionalism.
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Whaaaaa? I love the twitter posts. No, I don't have an interview here as of now, but I like to see that, yes, they are making progress and they have made decisions on others already. It lets me know they they're actually working over there. I vote yes for the twitter feed.
 
I agree, yes vote for twitter.

You have to understand that UMMS bends over backwards to make the process as clear and as easy-to-understand as possible. I really feel we, as applicants, have no right to complain. Dozens of top-notch medical schools treat applicants FAR worse so if you are going to complain about how UMMS handles things, then I can't imagine how you feel about other schools.

With that being said, good luck to the rest of you waiting 👍
 
Is anybody arriving tomorrow (Thurs 9/24) at the airport around 6pm? I would like to share a cab or shuttle ride to campus with someone.
 
MzzLLX said:
I agree, yes vote for twitter.

You have to understand that UMMS bends over backwards to make the process as clear and as easy-to-understand as possible. I really feel we, as applicants, have no right to complain. Dozens of top-notch medical schools treat applicants FAR worse so if you are going to complain about how UMMS handles things, then I can't imagine how you feel about other schools.

With that being said, good luck to the rest of you waiting 👍
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No right to complain? Am I in China? We paid good bucks for our applications to be reviewed. It's not a charity. Just because there are worse schools, doesn't mean all the schools couldn't do better in making the process more transparent and fair. And sending a few twitter messages is not my idea of bending over backwards.
 
Equality said:
Is anybody arriving tomorrow (Thurs 9/24) at the airport around 6pm? I would like to share a cab or shuttle ride to campus with someone.
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If you are willing to wait until 645, I hightly recommend that you take the Michigan Flyer.

http://www.michiganflyer.com/schedules.html

It's 15/20 bucks for you to go to Ann Arbor, which is about as cheap as you'll find, it has wifi on the bus, it's comfortable and it's pretty fast and efficient.

Much more cost effective, and comfortable, than taking a cab.

When you arrive at the Detroit airport, just ask where the Michigan Flyer arrives -- everyone should know.
 
womp said:
No right to complain? Am I in China? We paid good bucks for our applications to be reviewed. It's not a charity. Just because there are worse schools, doesn't mean all the schools couldn't do better in making the process more transparent and fair. And sending a few twitter messages is not my idea of bending over backwards.
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I am not just referring to the twitter messages when I say that they are bending over backwards. And perhaps the word "right" was incorrect. You have the "right" to complain, heck you have the right to free speech. But perhaps what I meant is that we should be considerate and realize they are working hard and CHOOSE not to complain. If you want to, go ahead. But in my opinion, such a negative attitude will only make this process more difficult than easier.
 
Desaad said:
If you are willing to wait until 645, I hightly recommend that you take the Michigan Flyer.

http://www.michiganflyer.com/schedules.html

It's 15/20 bucks for you to go to Ann Arbor, which is about as cheap as you'll find, it has wifi on the bus, it's comfortable and it's pretty fast and efficient.

Much more cost effective, and comfortable, than taking a cab.

When you arrive at the Detroit airport, just ask where the Michigan Flyer arrives -- everyone should know.
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Thank you so much.
 
Nuts, on hold 9/23/09

Application Screening Completed
Your application has been reviewed. At this point we are not able to offer you an interview. Additional reviews may take several months as we compare groups of applicants. Thank you for your patience.

Complete 8/24/09
3.25c/3.27s/41R


Has anyone seen changes after receiving this status (rejection or invite)?
 
put on hold, 38Q, 4.0 OOS..

been waiting since 7/14, then i find out im on hold...lame
 
eh, still Under Review, 38Q/3.5+/OOS
 
GodisGood12 said:
put on hold, 38Q, 4.0 OOS..

been waiting since 7/14, then i find out im on hold...lame
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wow i thought that would have been good enough for an "automatic interview"
 
SultanMD said:
I think UMich has recently decided to decrease number of interviews they would offer this year, if it was early in the cycle I'd think it would be an automatic interview with such steller stats.
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But he says he's been waiting since July 14. That's early enough for an auto. Unless he's applying mstp.
 
i applied regular, and i was complete on 7/14. It doesnt matter when you apply, if you qualify for "auto" then you get it. Pretty bummed about the hold.
 
adele87 said:
Oh, it's definitely "transparent", but is this type of transparency necessary or even desirable? Consider that the admissions office sent an invitation to follow this feed to all its applicants, not just those chosen for an interview. The twitter account then goes on to issue vague hints of impending rejections and interview offers. The latest missive about considering a reduction in the number of interviews (followed by a dramatic ellipsis.. ooh!) verges on insulting.

As a current applicant "under review" for about a month now, how am I supposed to react to this? Am I supposed to be enthralled by the drama of the admissions process, eager to awake every morning so I can check whether the University of Michigan has deigned to grant me one of their precious interviews? No, I'm just annoyed and increasingly turned off at the prospect of attending this school if given the opportunity. I know no one is forcing me to read it, but I still find it off-putting. I am not one to be driven to madness contemplating my chances of admission, but plenty of people are (note the existence of this forum), and U-M's twitter feed is unnecessarily feeding the frenzy.

I believe that transparency in the admissions process should play out in a school's timely and clear communication with its applicants, not this twitter BS.
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good post. (note--on hold = sour grapes)
 
lmrdx said:
My best friend received her interview 30 min. after submitting her app. She had a 42 MCAT. What I meant to say was not that it is computerized, but that the first batch of interviews have higher stats because they are part of the automatic interview system.
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At my interview they made it sound like it was more of a fast-track interview than an auto-interview... the dean of admissions said they look at every application before an invitation is made, but some files are prioritized based on numbers. Such is life.
 
Being on hold isn't a death sentence it's just the admissions committee's way of sort of letting you know where you're at. I was on hold last year and got an interview and got in right away (no WL). Just try and be patient. Yes this process sucks and everyone on the admissions committee knows this so they're doing their best (including reading applications on the weekends and at night). Really I felt like Michigan was one of the few schools that was willing to work with me and be completely honest about when my file was reviewed, what the outcome was, and what would happen next. Just try and give them time. If you have a huge concern about your status then just call them...they are really nice!
 
Michigan is pretty stat heavy, but I know people with 34s and 3.4s who have gotten into the school. They tend to be big on diversity, and of course in state.

So if you were an URM and in State with below average stats, you'd have a decent chance of getting in I think.
 
How was the interview experience -- for those who interviewed today?
 
I flew in from Virginia yesterday and stayed with a student host. The school gave my host dinner coupon to use at a nearby restaurant, so she took me out to eat and also invited a bunch of her med school friends. Thus I had a great beginning to my stay in Michigan by having an awesome host and meeting a good number of current students.

The interview day started early with breakfasty snacks. I was initially kind of overwhelmed by the sheer number of interviewing students (about 45) all sitting in a large lecture room with me, but everyone I talked to was friendly. I had time to talk to people sitting around me and to listen to the Dean of Admissions Dr. Gay speak enthusiastically about the school. Then [the most shocking part of the interview for me] I had interviews.

On previous interviews days I always had interview after meeting current students, but at Michigan, I had interviews first. But there was nothing to fear! The 30-min alottment for each interviewer (3 total) went by really quickly, and I especially enjoyed speaking with M2 student interviewer.

We had a short presentation on the admissions process and took an interactive tour of the library where we got to see what educational technology/software is available for students. The weekly quizzes are given/taken in the library too. Then we had a mass lunch with about 30 current med students and concluded the day with a tour of the school and hospital.


Suggestions for future interviewees:
1) Stay with a student. The host can pick up you from where you get dropped off by the airport shuttle, and as always, tell you so much more about the school than the website will ever tell you. The student can also feed you dinner with a coupon from the school if you arrive early enough the evening before your interview.
2) Make reservations for transportation from airport to Ann Arbor. It's cheaper than not reserving. I took Michigan Flyer, but Custom Transit is also available. Their contact info is on the Interiew Day link.
3) Sign up for text-messages. You can enter to win a prize!
 
My perception of what I saw today:

1) The students: I was so happy to see that there is an amazing level of diversity among the students. Some of the current students were Peace-corps members, teachers, farmer from Ireland, athletes, health insurance company executive, etc. They all have something to bring to the table and do so gladly. Lots of school-spirit too. The football craze seems to bring the students together. And the students are super happy and have lots of free time. One current student, I was told, is learning to become a pilot.

2) Admissions Process including interview: Super-laid back, no grilling. The Admissions office ladies also try to make it very open for the students. There is no formula to calculate whether a student gets in or not. Students at high-end or low-end of ratings do not get much discussion, but the middle-ratings do. You will find out within a week of interview unless you’re waiting for Oct 15th 12:01 am. About 10 students are taken off the waiting list each year (at least for the last 3-4 years).

3) Name value: Even though Michigan is a state school, they are so well-funded that I honestly think it functions like a private school. Lots of merit-based scholarships are given, and students seem to easily get funding for research, service going abroad, etc. So no one should overlook the fact that U of M is a state school. Also, among residency programs, U of M is regarded very highly—in top five. The name Michigan carries great value in the medical world, if not everywhere. Michigan is one of the most renaissance schools I’ve visited. Look up how highly the business, law, music, and undergrad programs are regarded.

4) The "feel": the little bit of the city I saw around the campus is perhaps what I had imagined the ideal university town would be like. The campus is fairly large but doesn’t feel overwhelming. There are lots of cute restaurants of all sorts, a youthful spirit, and a healthy pride for the school and the town that make the area memorable for me. From the list of concerts that were offered on campus last year, the school/town is also culturally very well-rounded and plentiful. =D
 
Hey Equality thanks for a meaningful & detailed feedback. Much appreciated & good luck!
 
To where was the dinner coupon? Potbellies? They love that place....
 
Yeah, that isn't a bad spot. They make a mean milkshake too.
 
redsquareblack said:
Where's the place that makes the milk drinks (Honey milk, almond milk, etc.)?
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Do you mean the asian tea places? Bubble Tea?

I never used to go there myself, but "Bubble Island" was always a real popular one, and "Mo Mo Tea" I heard was pretty authentic.

Hate the stuff, but yeah there is a big demand for it.

They are both on South Street, one of the big main undergrad streets.
 
They just responded to me on Twitter>>>> "Please be patient, thank you."

Would love an invite here 🙁 Too hard to get in I assume though.
 
allenthecowboy said:
They just responded to me on Twitter>>>> "Please be patient, thank you."

Would love an invite here 🙁 Too hard to get in I assume though.
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You need to be more patient. Stop flapping around like an impatient kid, you have enough invites already.
 
BlueElmo said:
You need to be more patient. Stop flapping around like an impatient kid, you have enough invites already.
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I am an impatient kid 😛

But, this school's a big reach for me anyway. I can understand the wait.
 
I had no idea that Michigan was already closing apps. I guess that makes me feel a little better about the "Under Review" I've been rocking for ten weeks.
 
heyyy for those of you who interviewed and took the michigan flyer, where do you take the michigan flyer to from the airport? i feel like this is a stupid question but there are several options for ann arbor listed.
 
I got an interview invite! I don't recall ever getting a complete email.
 
freeace said:
heyyy for those of you who interviewed and took the michigan flyer, where do you take the michigan flyer to from the airport? i feel like this is a stupid question but there are several options for ann arbor listed.
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Really? Are you sure? "Jackson" and "East Lansing" are other cities, to be clear. Normally it just drops you off at a nearby hotel, the Sheraton, and from there you can take local bus or taxi to Michigan campus.
 
Desaad said:
Really? Are you sure? "Jackson" and "East Lansing" are other cities, to be clear. Normally it just drops you off at a nearby hotel, the Sheraton, and from there you can take local bus or taxi to Michigan campus.
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To clarify a bit what Desaad said,

The Michigan Flyer operates from both terminals of the Detroit Airport and goes to multiple stops. You want to go to the Ann Arbor stop, which has a dropoff point at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, about a few miles away from the university. You can take the Bus Line 6 or 36 to get to the actual medical school from the Four Points (Google Maps integrates with the bus-line, so I encourage you to use it as a resource). For tickets, you can either reserve them online/by phone for $15 or pay the driver $20 when he arrives. Make sure you know exactly when the Flyer arrives, as they only come once every two hours generally (ie: if it arrives at 12:45 and you come at 12:55, you have to wait two hours for the next one).

It is certainly a cheaper way to travel, and I recommend it. Just make sure you have their contact information just in case.

PM me if you have any other questions about transportation or the interview day.
-Dr. P.
 
NotSur said:
I got an interview invite! I don't recall ever getting a complete email.
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..
Does anyone know how flexible Michigan is about the interview dates offered on the website? I'd like to go a little earlier.
 
Last edited:
Got a check my status email this morning. Hold. Thing is, I never turned in a secondary. It's one of a few I have left to do... do I even bother?
 
Interview invite!!

Finally! Complete since 7/7 with no word at all.

3.5, 34, OOS.
 
I'm confused. My recommendations are not in yet, but my file is already put on HOLD

What should I make of that? They haven't even asked for recommendations from me either. Do they usually like that recommendations come in before offering an interview (if your stats aren't good enough for auto-interview)

?????
 
guyski79 said:
Interview invite!!

Finally! Complete since 7/7 with no word at all.

3.5, 34, OOS.
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wow congrats! your stats sound like mine and ive been complete since 8/18 so i hope there's good news coming...
 
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